Chace is OUT of the New 'Footloose!' Could It Be 'Cause He Can't Dance? And Should Justin Replace Him?

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Since Zac Efron (who would’ve been PERFECT) already backed out, who do YOU think should reprise Kevin Bacon’s dance-happy divo?

First, Zac Efron. Now, Chace Crawford.

Gossip Girl‘s Chace has just ditched the remake of 1984′s Footloose, according to EW.com, after Zac bailed on the role before him. A source tells EW that the culprit was Gossip‘s shooting schedule: The CW show is supposed to resume production in July, but Paramount wants to shoot the movie at the same time.

So, the important question: Could Justin Bieber be the next Kevin Bacon (or the next Chace Crawford/Zac Efron)? EW sources say the studio is likely to cast an unknown, possibly even doing a nationwide bake-off for the role.

A lot has happened on this production since the idea was hatched — writers have dropped out, directors have changed — but one thing has remained constant: Julianne Hough of Dancing with the Stars is still on board to play the lead female role.